October Health – 2025 Report

Life changes in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, the leading cause of life changes stress at a population level is primarily economic instability. This includes unemployment, inflation, and fluctuating currency value, which impact people's ability to meet basic needs and plan for the future. These economic challenges often lead to stress related to job insecurity, financial pressure, and uncertainty about livelihood. In the workplace, this economic stress can reduce employee focus, increase absenteeism, and lower overall morale. Offering employees access to mental health resources, such as October's digital group sessions and mental health assessments, can support stress management and improve workplace well-being.

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Life changes Prevalence
22.94%
Affected people
12,617,000

Impact on the people of Zimbabwe

Effects of High Life Changes Stress on Health and Personal Life

  • Physical Health:

    • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases
    • Weakened immune system leading to frequent illnesses
    • Sleep disturbances and chronic fatigue

  • Mental Health:

    • Higher likelihood of anxiety and depression
    • Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
    • Increased irritability and mood swings

  • Personal Life:

    • Strained relationships with family and colleagues
    • Reduced productivity and motivation at work
    • Decreased social engagement and feelings of isolation

Using tools like Panda’s digital group sessions and assessments can help employees manage stress effectively and maintain workplace wellbeing.

Impact on the Zimbabwe Economy

Effects of High Life Changes Stress on an Economy

  1. Reduced Workforce Productivity
    Employees experiencing high stress from life changes (e.g., death, divorce, moving) often show decreased concentration, focus, and motivation, leading to lower productivity.

  2. Increased Absenteeism and Presenteeism
    Stress can cause more sick days or working while unwell, both of which harm overall economic output.

  3. Higher Healthcare Costs
    Stress-related illnesses raise healthcare usage, increasing costs for businesses and public health systems.

  4. Workplace Turnover and Recruitment Costs
    Stressed employees are more likely to resign, creating recruitment and training expenses and disrupting operations.

  5. Impaired Decision-Making and Innovation
    Chronic stress affects cognitive function, reducing employees’ ability to innovate and make sound decisions, impacting business growth.

Recommendation:
Employers in Zimbabwe can leverage platforms like October for digital group mental health sessions and assessments to support employee well-being, potentially mitigating these economic impacts.

What can government do to assist? 

 How a Country Can Lower Life Changes Stress

1. **Strengthen Social Safety Nets**  
   - Provide unemployment benefits, healthcare access, and housing support to reduce uncertainty during major life changes.

2. **Promote Mental Health Awareness and Access**  
   - Increase public education on stress and coping techniques.  
   - Expand access to affordable mental health services, including workplace programs.

3. **Support Workplace Stability and Flexibility**  
   - Encourage employers to offer flexible working hours and remote work to ease transitions such as childbirth or relocation.  
   - Promote employee assistance programs (EAPs) that include counseling.

4. **Improve Community Support Systems**  
   - Develop community centers and support groups for people experiencing major life transitions (e.g., bereavement, divorce, migration).

5. **Integrate Digital Mental Health Tools**  
   - Encourage use of platforms like October for group stress management sessions and assessments at workplace or community levels.

By addressing economic, social, and psychological needs, a country can reduce the stress associated with life changes.

What can businesses do to assist their employees? 

 How a Company Can Lower Life Changes Stress

1. **Flexible Work Arrangements**  
   Offer remote work options, flexible hours, or reduced workloads during major life changes (e.g., moving, marriage, parenthood).

2. **Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)**  
   Provide access to counseling services and support groups to help employees manage personal transitions.

3. **Mental Health Education Sessions**  
   Use platforms like October to deliver group sessions on coping with stress caused by life changes.

4. **Clear Communication and Support**  
   Encourage managers to check in regularly and openly discuss employees' challenges related to life changes.

5. **Paid Time Off for Life Events**  
   Offer additional leave for significant life events to allow employees time to adjust without added pressure.

Implementing these strategies fosters a supportive work environment that reduces stress related to life changes.